<b><center>Trindon Holliday </b>
<b>Position:</b> KR/WR
<b>Status:</b> Signed by New York Giants

<b><center>Trindon Holliday </b>
<b>Position:</b> KR/WR
<b>Status:</b> Signed by New York Giants

Photo: KENT NISHIMURA / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Image 125 of 125

Former Texan, Antonio Smith, inks deal with Raiders

1 / 125

Back to Gallery

When the Texans visit Oakland next season, they’ll find the Ninja Assassin in the Black Hole.

Defensive end Antonio Smith, who signed a two-year contract worth $9 million with the Raiders on Friday, will have a chance to compete against his former team.

“The Ninja playing in the Black Hole – that’s got a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” Smith said Friday night during a layover in Las Vegas on his return to Houston. “I like the way that sounds. I’ll be pumped up about that.”

Smith, a colorful personality who was a favorite of the fans and media, is a 10-year veteran who missed only two games during his five seasons as a starter with the Texans – one for injury and last year’s opener for swinging Richie Incognito’s helmet at the Miami guard during preseason.

“Man, I’ll have nothing but good memories about my days (with the Texans),” he said. “It’s a brotherhood.

“So many great times. Even last season when we were losing so many games, we were a close team. I’m going to miss so many of my teammates.”

Smith, 32, said he wanted to remain with the Texans but was afraid he would be relegated to coming off the bench in passing situations under new defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.

The Raiders told Smith they plan for him to start at tackle in their 4-3 scheme.

“I spoke to (general manager) Rick (Smith), and he told me they wanted me back, but I had to weigh what I thought would happen compared to what I think will happen with the Raiders,” he said. “They (Raiders) made me feel like royalty.

“They think I can continue doing the same things I’ve been doing.”

Smith said he didn’t have any bitterness toward the Texans.

“It’s more like a bittersweet thing,” he said. “Bitter because I’m leaving my brothers and a place I love, but sweet because it’s a new beginning for me. It’s nice to be highly sought after again.”

Smith played his first four seasons with Arizona and helped the Cardinals reach the Super Bowl. In 2009, he signed a five-year contract worth $35 million with the Texans.

In three of his first four seasons in Houston, Smith helped the Texans finish with winning records, including back-to-back AFC South titles in 2011 and 2012. They plummeted to a league-worst 2-14 last season.

“I know I can still play,” said Smith, who recorded 18 ½ sacks over the last three seasons. “I feel good about this decision. It was tough, but I really like what the Raiders are doing on defense.

“I’m real excited about the new beginning.”

Oakland was the third team Smith visited. He started with Washington and then went to Tennessee. He cancelled a visit to St. Louis over the weekend.

Defensive linemen still on the roster are J.J. Watt, Jared Crick, Tim Jamison and Keith Browner.

The Texans will sign some free agents and also use the draft to bolster the defensive line.